Kukla's Korner Hockey

Attack NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Personalize the disagreement. Make it appear as though the labour battle is all Bettman’s doing. Emphasize that the union gave “massive” concessions seven years ago. Question why owners are gagged and not allowed to speak freely.

NHLPAers have hit those notes consistently over the first 60 days of the lockout along with repeating the charge that the NHL won’t negotiate fairly.

But Fehr, who has more control over the union than any executive director since Alan Eagleson, can’t control what is said by former NHL players.

Early on, ex-NHLers didn’t have much to say, with Bobby Orr simply suggesting it was time for both the NHL and the union to negotiate.

“They have to accept that responsibility to sit down and get a deal done. Shame on them if they don’t do that,” said Orr.

This week, however, the dynamic changed to a degree, with former players Mark Recchi and Chris Therien suggesting players may want to at the very least question the direction in which Fehr is taking the union and the tactics being used.